Minecraft: How to Add Mods

Thumbnail of a Golden Pickaxe from Minecraft

Updated:

15 Mar 2022

Minecraft: How to Add Mods

Check out this handy video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nadEC9AzXTE

Video by: The Breakdown

As every PC gamer knows, one of the greatest advantages PCs have over consoles is their modding capabilities. Games can be endlessly upgraded, expanded, and renewed through the use of mods and playerbase programmed add-ons. Minecraft is one of the most commonly modded games, one of its dedicated modding websites, CurseForge, boasting 94,400+ mods on that site alone. As you can see, the possibilities are limitless - you just have to know where to start!

To download and implement a mod, you’ll need to download Forge and Java.
- The Breakdown, whose video we’ve listed above, has links to all the latest versions of Forge and Java, but we’ll also include links here.
  - This version of Forge was the latest release as of writing this tutorial: https://files.minecraftforge.net/net/minecraftforge/forge/?forums
  - This version of Java was the latest release as of writing this tutorial: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#java16
- Bear in mind that many download links nowadays include an advertisement in between clicking the link and downloading a file. Whenever downloading Forge or a mod later one, make sure to wait before clicking on anything on the page the link sends you to first. With a little patience and thorough investigation, you’ll be sure to find the correct button to press for your download - and avoid getting a virus!
Next, choose a mod.
- We have many great lists of mods, if you’re unsure where to start!
- When downloading a mod, make sure the mod is compatible with your version of Forge.
Now, we’re going to install Forge AND the mods you’ve downloaded.
- You’re going to start by clicking your Windows button. For most people, this button is found in the bottom left corner of your computer screen. This will open a little menu with a search bar where you can search for “downloads.” Click your downloads folder to gain access to your new files.
- First, locate your Java download and follow the instructions to install Java on your computer. Next, right-click Forge and select “open with” and choose Java. If you’re having trouble with this step, you can download and run Jarfix, which should tie everything up properly: https://johann.loefflmann.net/downloads/jarfix.exe
  - A window should appear with a few options. Choose “install client” and then click “OK.”
  - Make sure you’ve played the version of Minecraft you’re installing Forge for at least once before trying to install! If you don’t, the program won’t know where to place its files.
Next, to make sure you’ve installed Forge correctly, boot up Minecraft. While in the launcher, locate the pop-up menu to the left of the PLAY button, click the arrow, and search for the game version with Forge in the title.
- Assuming you’ve located and selected the Forge game version, go ahead and hit PLAY. If everything is installed correctly, there should be a new button on your main menu labeled Mods. Click that, and then click the button at the bottom of the next screen labeled Open Mods Folder. This will open another new window, where you can simply drag and drop your .jar mod files directly in and then close out. Hit Done and then quit Minecraft and re-open it.
Now, your mods should be installed and running correctly! You can check by clicking the Mods button again.